Don't just say it... LIVE IT!

I am terrible at saying "No." Anybody out there with me on that one? (If you say "yes" because you can't say no, then yes, you are in that group...) 

Honestly, I have gotten a little bit better at saying no over the years, thanks to the spiritual growth I have experienced. When it comes to big life decisions, I at least usually stop for a breath before I blurt out the word "YES." And since getting married and becoming an army wife, I think twice about agreeing to excessive commitments that might interfere with the minimal hubby time that could end up on the calendar... 

But if there is one thing I am worse at than saying no, it is changing a yes to no. Those are some awkward moments when I have to de-commit myself to something. Fortunately, I don't have to do that very often... but when I do... YIKES. (Insert awkward moment here.) 

As a birthday present, my beloved boss Kelli gave me a copy of Ann Voskamp's book "One Thousand Gifts." I am trying to read it slowly so I can fully absorb the richness that is woven throughout the pages of this book. I always thought I was a person filled with gratitude... but lately, in my "YES" excitement, I started to wonder. 

To learn more about this awesome book, check
out One Thousand Gifts.com.

I came across a quote last night in her book that REALLY struck me: "If I'm ruthlessly honest, I may have said yes to God, yes to Christianity but really I have lived the no." Oh dang. This sounded familiar to me. 

For the most part, I am an optimistic, upbeat and enthusiastic person (if you haven't noticed the excessive exclamation points throughout my blog posts.) I have done a lot of things that some people might call crazy if they didn't know my God (master's degree, call to ministry, marrying into the military.) But the quote about saying yes but living the no really struck my heart. 

Saying YES to God and living the YES are two different things. I can say YES to Him all day long at work, throughout my blog and personal ministry... but its those times when I'm struggling or am about to blow a gasket per army "logic" that I stop living the YES and transition to living more of a "maybe" or even a straight up no. 

When I start to doubt/question or even start thinking I need to "See to believe" (check out yesterday's post) is the point of living the no. But here's the thing-- God doesn't want me to live the NO. I don't want to live the NO. But The Enemy does. Enter stage left the sin of ingratitude. Sigh. 

Here's the awesome part... by simply being aware of whether or not we are living the yes or no can help us to pray to live a life of YES. 

Have you said yes to God? How about Christianity? If not, take a few moments to pray and invite Jesus into your heart. 

If you have already said yes to God, let's live a life of yes. With this constant answer YES, there is no awkward moments when you try to back. You can't back out-- Because God has our back. 

So don't just say it... Live it!

SGK 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. --Colossians 3:16

PS: Don't forget to leave a comment here and share this blog with your friends now though next Monday for a chance to win the "Leadership & Faith" prize package to celebrate the completion of my masters and upcoming 100th blog post. Check out "Happy Dance Celebration" for more information.

Seeing... Or Believing... The Light

The temperature had dropped almost to the point where we could see our breath. The sun had set a couple of hours ago, so we bundled up and headed outside. We climbed aboard the bus, snuggled in and prepared to see something amazing. 

We were on a girl date. 

My lovely friend Sara graciously invited me to be her "date" last weekend to a Christmas party event hosted by her work company. Since her beloved was gone to Ranger school and mine was essentially nonexistent per Basic Training Red Phase Drill Sergeant duties, I was totally up for an adventure. After all, us army wives gotta stick together!

So I was Sara's date to a "romantic" weekend getaway at Callaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA. Ok, so it really wasn't THAT romantic, but it sure was fun. We determined that having a two-night girl slumber party was just what we needed to recharge our hearts and reconnect with God. Probably the highlight of the weekend (other than awesome God time) was the Fantasy of Lights tours we took through the gardens on an open air trolley. (Close second: when I crashed my mountain bike. I'm not coordinated. But that's another blog post.) 

Fantasy in Lights was awesome. (See first paragraph for set-up details.) Long story short, millions of Christmas lights (8 million to be exact) are arranged and displayed throughout 12 different scenes in  Callaway Gardens. All are timed to music and use 32 total miles of extension cords. Totally worth it. 

But as usual, God didn't just take us on a "date" to show us cool lights and eat good food. He was at work during our time at Callaway. Yes, he helped us to relax, rest and fellowship... but He also made me think. (Dangerous... maybe that's why I crashed when riding the bike?) When we checked into the hotel on Friday night, there was a sign out front advertising the Fantasy in Lights tour. On the post it said "SEEING IS BELIEVING." 

Apparently, God was at the forefront of my mind and immediately thought "No it's not!" Those words "Seeing is believing" made me think of faith... or rather, what faith is not. All throughout the Bible we hear of verses talking about living by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7) or that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1.) 

I continued to think about the concept of seeing is believing when related to faith for the rest of the evening and was led to re-study the story of dear ol' doubting Thomas during my Bible study/quiet time the next morning. 

"Now Thomas (called Didymus), one of the Twelve, was not with the disciples when Jesus came. So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.”

A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!” Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

-John 20:24-29

I would love to scoff and say that Thomas was simply an unfaithful epic fail of a disciple... but THAT would make me a hypocrite. Because I am my own version of Thomas. I am gonna take a guess that we all are to some degree. As humans, we are inclined to want to have tangible proof before we believe something... we desire to SEE it to BELIEVE it. But Jesus Himself said "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." 

Are there areas in your spiritual life that you are trying to walk by sight and asking to "See it to believe it?" We can't test the Lord... Sure we can ask for signs and guidance (that's what He is there for!) But we also must believe that He WILL come through for us, "tangible proof" or not. 

Today, let's think about ways that we can certain of what we do not see. God's promises are steadfast. We don't have to see it to believe it... we just have to believe it then experience it. Take in it. Love it. Revel in it. Rejoice in it!  We don't have to see the light to walk in it... we just have to believe it is there. 

Believing is seeing with the heart, 

SGK 

"Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." 1 Peter 1:8-9

PS: Don't forget to leave a comment here and share this blog with your friends now though next Monday for a chance to win the "Leadership & Faith" prize package to celebrate the completion of my masters and upcoming 100th blog post. Check out "Happy Dance Celebration" for more information. 

Happy Dance Celebration

Cue the confetti! Crank up the dancing tunes! Get out the party hats! Release the balloons!

Uh huh, uh huh, uh-huh-uh-huh-UH-HUH!!

Why are we celebrating? A few reasons:

1. God loves me (and you) :-) We have a lot to be thankful for!

2. I FINISHED MY MASTERS DEGREE!!!! I hit the final "submit" button last Friday for my Masters of Arts in Christian Leadership... So excited, relieved and thankful that I no longer have to write research papers.  From start to finish, my masters degree took me 310 days. Yes, I was "booking" it (literally!) and the completion of this big life step is clearly an indication of God's power working in my life. I'm celebrating whatever He has in store for me next! 

3. Today is my 94th blog post... so I am rounding up and preparing for my 100th blog post, which according to my calculations will be next Tuesday. In honor of this upcoming milestone, I am doing a giveaway to YOU... 

ALL. THIS. WEEK. The winner of the "Leadership by Faith" prize package (that's what I am calling it) will be announced on the day of my 100th post (Tuesday, December 13, 2011)

The prize package will include: 

• Book: "Share Jesus without Fear" by William Fay
• Book: "Winning with People" by John Maxwell
• Book: Either "Wild at Heart" (for a guy )or "Captivating" (for a gal) by John and Stasi Eldredge 
• An "Easy" button (Staples) 
• A "Panic" Button (Hoops & Yo Yo) Note: both "buttons" are hilarious/fun... and productive-ish for home/office use. 

Sound good? AWESOME! Now, you might be asking: "Um, Sharita, how can I enter this awesome celebration giveaway?" Pick one of the following ways: 

1. Leave a comment on this blog or any of my daily blogs between today and next Monday.  

2. Spread the word about his giveaway via Social Media - Facebook, Twitter, email, etc. and let me know that you did that by leaving a comment so I can make sure you are included in our auto-generated number drawing. 

3. Follow me on Twitter (@SharitaKnobloch) If you are already a faithful follower, leave a comment and let me know :-) 

4. Follow this blog by either signing up for it via email, Google Reader, or Networked blogs. (You can do this all via the side bar.) And, as the pattern has shown... leave a comment to let me know you are a follower.

Folks, my heart is SO joyful right now!! God has brought me through some awesome (and challenging) life experiences... but through it all, He had (and still has) a plan for my life in ministry & leadership. I want to share that joy with you... This giveaway is not for my glory, nor is the request to share this blog/link to make my name "known..." Rather, it is an opportunity to share the gospel throughout the nations and for us to grow spiritually together as a family of Christ. The glory ALL goes to God. He called me to it... and is faith and continues to do it! 

Excited to share my joy with you! 100th blog post & masters diploma, here we come. 

Now if you will excuse me, I am going to go do a happy dance in my living room. 

God rocks my socks, 

SGK 

"For seven days celebrate the Feast to the LORD your God at the place the LORD will choose. For the LORD your God will bless you in all your harvest and in all the work of your hands, and your joy will be complete." --Deuteronomy 16:15

We have... A Remedy

I do NOT enjoy being sick. 

Ok. That might have been a slightly pointless statement. I don't really know anyone who is like "Yay, I don't feel good today." Duh, right? (Don't judge me... It's Friday ;-) 

The best part about getting sick? (No, it is not having strict ownership of the remote or excessive sleeping.) The best part is getting better. Kinda makes you appreciate feeling top-notch, huh? 

This week we have discussed 4 symptoms of being human. Today, we reveal that cure, aka THE REMEDY. And yep, you guessed it... That remedy is Jesus. 

Don't believe me? Let's take a look: 

Symptom #1: We have... A Power Shortage

"You are awesome, O God, in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!" --Psalm 68:35

Symptom #2: We have... Ego Issues
"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." --Proverbs 11:2

Symptom #3: We have... Memory Loss

"I will perpetuate your memory through all generations; therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever." --Psalm 45:17

Symptom #4: We have... A Heart Condition

"I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you." --Psalm 119:11

I would say if we have all of these symptoms and no cure, we are gonna be pretty messed up. (Which I am for sure) BUT I have Jesus! Hopefully you do to! 

Check out Rachael Lampa's song called "Remedy." Kind of sums up our awesome, majestic, ever-loving cure! 

"Remedy"

(By Rachael Lampa)

I know where to go

To heal my heart to soothe my soul

When everything-things spinning out of control, I know

I know just living life can get so crazy day and night

But I've got somebody by my side, by my side

Every time I cry and I wanna hide

Feeling like I'm damaged on the inside

You know just what to do

CHORUS:

You've got what I need

You're the remedy

That's why I'm keeping you close, you close

You know what's best for me

My only therapy

Jesus your love is my hope, my hope

You're my remedy, you're my remedy

On point, off track

One step forward, two steps back

Some days are gonna be just like that

Just like that

You're my medicine

Relieve my pain again and again

Always take me back no matter where I've been, where I've been

Every time I'm hurt and it doesn't work

Feeling like it never could get any worse

I go running to you

REPEAT CHORUS

And every time I come knocking at your door

You make me feel like I'm the only one that you adore

The only one you do this for

The only one that you call yours, I'm yours

Today is simply a day of rejoicing that we have a cure for our "illness" caused by sin. God is the ultimate healer. He fills the gap of our power shortage. He tames our ego issues. He restores our memory loss. He clears up our heart condition. 

We have... A Remedy... In Jesus!

Healed by His Grace, 

SGK 

"O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me." --Psalm 30:2

We have... a Heart Condition

Do you know what really grinds my gears? 

The inaccuracy of the hand grip heart rate monitor things on the handles of treadmills. Are they EVER accurate? 

Ok, maybe I should slow down a little bit. I am really not THAT upset about it, but it just makes me think sometimes. Perhaps you can help. Maybe I am not gripping them right? Whenever I work out on a treadmill (or elliptical, bike, anything with the fancy-schmancy heart rate grippy things) it never, ever seems to be even close to accurate. 

It usually takes the majority of my workout to get a close to legit reading. I spend all that time trying to adjust my hands so it will show that I actually HAVE a pulse, and when it does, it gives some astronomical number on the verge of heart explosion. (I work hard, but not THAT hard. Seriously.)  Oh, and don't get me started on how I feel when it occasionally blinks judgmental messages of "Do not run while gripping handles." (Well if you would read my heart rate while I am walking/recovery, I wouldn't have to, you stinkin temperamental machine...) 

Here's the great news about that story. God is OUR heart monitor. And a very accurate one at that. He knows our heart. It's important to understand that regardless of what physical shape we are in, we ALL have a heart condition. 

That is symptom #4 of being a human. We have a heart condition. As much as we would like to deny it or argue, we have sin in our heart. While I would love to blame Adam and Eve for messing it up, let's be honest... If it wasn't them, it would have taken 13.43 seconds before someone else came along who would have thought the snake's ideas were great and screwed it all up. Oh, the "joys" of being a human. 

Our sins give us a heart condition. But God is constantly "monitoring" our heart, much more effectively and accurately than the treadmill example. He knows everything in there and we don't need surgery to clear the "blockages" (aka sin.) Why? Because we have Jesus!! (More on THAT tomorrow) 

If you haven't done so already and feel called, stop right now and ask Jesus into your heart. If you have already experienced that, then go ahead and ask Christ to continue clearing out the "junk." He will condition your heart. He will strengthen it. He will be your accurate, never-ending tool to monitor your "heart condition." 

Next time you are on the treadmill and you begin to argue with the heart rate grippy things, remember... Jesus has got your pulse. And He IS the cure for our heart condition!

Lub-dubbing along, 

SGK 

"As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man." Proverbs 27:19

We have... Memory Loss

Think about your most prominent memory. Where were you? What time of year was it? Was it a good memory? A challenging experience? What type of details do you remember about it? 

Reminiscing can be a lot of fun. It might also be a little painful. Personally, my memories can be triggered by a location, sound, song, smell, person or experience. Some memories are so prominent that I literally get goosebumps-- it feels like I am traveling back in time, experiencing the specific event all over again. 

I don't want to brag, but I have a memory like a steel trap (much to my husbands occasional dismay: "How or WHY do you remember that, Sharita?!?)" I remember the most ridiculous things from kindergarten experiences, weird and random facts from some of my college classes and even  direct quotes of conversations I have had years ago. But even with this amazing memory, I still have memory loss... and often forget some of God's promises. 

Let's think about this for a second. We almost NEVER forget promises made by other people, especially when they don't come through for us. How many times (especially as children) do you remember saying "Heeeeyyyyy... YOU PROMISED?!?!" 

We don't forget the promises made by people in this world. But I always find myself saying "Whoops, sorry God... I forgot you already promised me that." God often says to me "Heeeyyyyy, Sharita... I PROMISED?!? Remember?"

Oh. Yeah. All those things I worry about or am uncertain about... yep. He already promised to help me out with it. God's multiple and never-failing promises can be found in His word.  His amazing promises are found in the Bible, in every book, every chapter. 

Concerned about your path? Check out Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. 

Don't know if God is involved in your life and knows what He is doing? Look at Jeremiah 29:11. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  

Unsure if all things that come from God are legit? Take a peek at Romans 8:28-- "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

God never promised it would be easy. But He said he will never stop loving. Never leave. Never forsake. His love never fails. It never runs out. It endures forever.  "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever." (Psalm 136:1) He PROMISED us this!! 

I vividly remember when and where I was the moment I began remembering parts of His word. I was parked outside of the Schnucks grocery store in Jefferson City, Mo in the winter of 2009, around 10:30pm. I did NOT want to go to work that night at midnight. I had brought my Bible with me and needed a reminder from God about His promises because I was in the middle of what would eventually become my recovery testimony. (Check out No Bologna Testimony Part 2 for the full story.) I forgot that God was in control and had a plan. 

I grabbed my Bible, trusting God to give me the reminder I needed.  I didn't have the verses memorized, but from the last few months of spending time in the word, I had a general recollection of where to look in the Bible. I (guided by the hand of God) narrowed it down to a book... then chapter... then read through and BOOM. Found the verse. "Ohhhh... NOW I remember. Thanks for that promise, God."  Memory: restored. 

Spend time in the word. Relish His promises. Overcome that memory loss. You never have to say "HEY GOD, YOU PROMISED." Instead, He says to us, "Hey you... I promised! TRUST ME." He ALWAYS comes through. And boom. No. More. Memory loss. 

Remembering fondly, 

SGK 

"O LORD, you are God! You have promised these good things to your servant." 1 Chronicles 17:26

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We have... Ego Issues

"I got this. I am smart. I'm in control. I am too legit to quit." 

"All that an a bag of potato chips... yep, that's me!" 

"A-double-you-E-S-O-M-E, I'm awesome, awesome... TOTALLY!" 

Hopefully I don't come across this way to the general public... not this ditzy (although I was a cheerleader for a few years of my life) OR this cocky. Two unlegit qualities, if I do say so myself. 

Yesterday we talked about power... something I struggle with. The daily submitting to the Lord, denying myself and taking up the cross can be a challenge for me. But today, we are talking about a different type of "symptom" of being a human. We have... Ego Issues. 

Now before you get your feathers all ruffled with me calling you (and myself) cocky, overconfident or stuck up, let me explain. I try to be humble in my earthly life. But humility is a fine line between being an egomaniac and self-depreciating. 

Hopefully (again, I emphasis HOPEFULLY) I come across as confident yet leading with a servant's heart based on humility when it comes to my peers. (You be the judge of that one.) I am sinner. I fall flat on my face regularly. I want to do it MYSELF with nobody's help. So I would guess that in God's eyes, I still have ego issues. 

It directly relates to the power challenge of yesterday... We determined that having a power shortage wasn't necessarily a BAD thing... but when I get hung up on trying to control things or take on the attitude that I AM awesome, awesome, TOTALLY, my ego issues surface from God's point of view. 

This isn't a depressing post, I promise. I still struggle with yearning for control and reveling in my gifts, talents and abilities... but see, that's the thing- they are GIFTS. I didn't create myself to have the ability to write, sing, minister, box or auctioneer (betcha never thought you would see those things all in the same sentence huh?) God loves you and me SO MUCH He gave us gifts and talents to share with others. HE made us awesome. 

We can be excited about that. But the key to rejoicing in those gifts and not stepping over the line of ego-crazed is to remember that He gave us those gifts so that we in turn would give them away. I ask daily for God to allow me to surrender completely to Him. Sometimes my ego gets in the way, but He loves me through it all. 

God's love is what makes us awesome. And THAT in itself is awesome, awesome... Totally. 

Humbly trying to check the ego at the door, 

SGK 

"He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way." --Psalm 25:9